Roof curb mounting

ABSTRACT

A roof opening structure for a roof includes support members supported by the roof and a frame supported by the support members. An uplift kit secures the frame to the roof to prevent lifting of the frame with respect to the roof. While preventing lifting of the frame from the roof, the uplift kit permits horizontal movement of the frame on the roof. The horizontal movement could occur due to temperature expansion/contraction of the roof.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the design for building roofs. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system which can be used with a roof opening structure to prevent uplift of the roof opening structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Roofs on buildings are formed from various structures which include trusses, joists, purlins and other structures. Purlins are generally Z-shaped metal beams supported by the buildings outer walls and inner pavilions or other supports.

Many buildings are being built with equipment installed on the roof of the building such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, skylights and the like which are positioned over an opening in the roof. A roof opening structure interfaces between the roof and the equipment to properly and securely locate the equipment on the roof. This equipment and its associated roof opening structure is frequently installed during the initial construction of the building but the equipment with the associated roof opening structure may be installed on an existing roof by creating an opening in the existing roof and then installing the equipment with its associated roof opening structure.

Prior art equipment and roof opening structures are conventionally mounted in sealed relation to the roof using various roofing materials to provide the seal. Changes in temperature frequently cause sufficient movement of the roof and the roofing panels to loosen the weatherproof seals between the roof and the roof opening structure which then results in undesirable leakage of water through the roof. In addition, the weatherproof seals between the roof and the roof opening structure can be loosened over time when the roof is lifted from the joists, purlins or the like by sufficient negative pressure created by the passage of wind across the roof. This loosening of the weatherproof seals will also create undesirable leakage of water through the roof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides the art with an uplift kit which can be used with new buildings or it can be installed on existing buildings. The uplift kit of the present invention secures roof opening structures against lifting of the structures due to wind traveling across the roof while still permitting movement of the roof opening structure. The uplift kit of the present invention includes uplift bracing attached to the joists, purlins or the like and retaining devices which secure the roof opening structure to the uplift bracing. In some embodiments brackets are provided to interface between the retaining devices and the roof opening structure.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective of a building which has a roof opening structure which incorporates an uplift kit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the supporting structure including the uplift kit for the roof opening structure shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the uplift kit illustrated in FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an uplift kit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an uplift kit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an uplift kit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an uplift kit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the attachment of the retaining device illustrated in FIG. 7;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an uplift kit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the attachment of the retaining device illustrated in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a figure similar to FIG. 2 but showing a joist roof construction; and

FIG. 10 is a figure similar to FIG. 2 but showing a truss roof construction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

There is illustrated in FIG. 1, a building which includes a roof opening structure incorporating an uplift kit in accordance with the present invention and which is designated generally by the reference numeral 10. Building 10 comprises a plurality of vertical walls 12, a roof 14 and one or more roof opening structures 16. Building 10 is illustrated with a pitched roof 14. It is within the scope of the present invention to utilize roof opening structure 16 on a flat roof as well as pitched roof 14.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, roof 14 comprises a plurality of support members in the form of purlins 22 and an exterior roof panel 24. While FIG. 2 illustrates the plurality of support members in the form of purlins 22, other support members may also be used with the present invention including joists 22′ as illustrated in FIG. 9, trusses 22″ as illustrated in FIG. 10 or any other type of roof support members.

Roof opening structure 16 comprises a first pair of supporting beams 30, a second pair of supporting beams 32, a frame or curb 34, an uplift kit 36 and a piece of roof equipment 38. For illustrative purposes, roof equipment 38 is being shown as a roof air conditioner.

The first pair of supporting beams 30 extend between to purlins 22 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Supporting beams 30 are spaced the appropriate distance from each other such that they provide support for frame 34. The second pair of supporting beams 32 extend between the first pair of supporting beams 30 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Supporting beams 32 are also spaced the appropriate distance from each other such that they provide support for frame 34.

Frame 34 is a box-like structure constructed using a plurality of support members 40. Each support member 40 includes a base flange 42, an upright section 44 and a top flange 46. Base flange 42 rests on first and second supporting beams 30 and 32 and is of a sufficient length to allow movement of frame 34 with respect to first and second supporting beams 30 and 32 as illustrated in FIG. 2. Upright section 44 extends vertically or upward from base flange 42 and top flange 46 extends from upright section 44 in a direction opposite to base flange 42. Top flange 46 is an L-shape flange which includes a down turned section 50 which provides stiffness for top flange 46. Roof equipment 38 is secured to top flange 46.

Roof panel 24 extends over the top of base flange 42 to provide a weather seal between roof panel 24 and frame 34. A sliding clip 54 is utilized with roof panel 24 to permit movement of roof panel 24 with respect to purlins 22.

Uplift kit 36 comprises a plurality of lower braces 60, a plurality of brackets 62 and a plurality of retaining devices 64. While retaining devices 34 are illustrated as threaded rods in the figures, other retaining devices, including but not limited to, straps, guy wires, angles or any other retaining device can be used in place of threaded rods Each lower brace 60 is a generally U-shaped brace which extends between and is attached to two purlins 22.

The plurality of brackets 62 are generally L-shaped brackets which include an upright section 66 which is attached to a respective upright section 44 of frame 34 and a base section 68 which extends generally parallel to base flange 42 of frame 34. The plurality of retaining devices 64 are equal in number to the plurality of brackets 62 and each retaining device 64 extends between and through a respective lower brace 60 and a respective bracket 62. Each retaining device 64 is secured in place using retainers 70 which can be nuts, clips or any other attachment mechanism known in the art. Once retaining devices 64 are secured in place, frame 34 and thus roof equipment 38 is prohibited from lifting upward from roof 14.

While uplift kit 36 prohibits upward movement of frame 34 and thus roof equipment 38, horizontal movement or movement generally parallel with roof panels 24 is permitted by virtue of retaining devices 64 being able to move laterally at their upper end as illustrated in phantom in FIG. 2. This floating of frame 34 and thus roof equipment 38 allows for the expansion and contraction of roof 14 due to changes in temperature as well as other required movement without disturbing the weather seal between roof 14 and roof opening structure 16.

Uplift kit 36 can be installed on any kind of roof with any kind of roof framing to support any type of structure and/or equipment. This is because the uplift restraint provided by uplift kit 36 is not an integral part of frame 34 or of roof equipment.38. Uplift kit 36 can be installed with a new roof and/or uplift kit 36 can be retrofitted for existing roof installations and any roof equipment attached thereto. Once installed, uplift kit 36 can be easily inspected after installation since it is clearly visible within the roof opening.

Referring now to FIG. 4, an uplift kit 136 in accordance with another embodiment of the present application is illustrated. Uplift kit 136 comprises the plurality of lower braces 60, a plurality of brackets 162 and the plurality of retaining devices 64. The difference between uplift kit 136 and uplift kit 36 is the use of brackets 162 instead of brackets 62.

The plurality of brackets 162 are generally Z or S-shaped brackets which include an upright section 166 which abuts a respective upright section 44 of frame 34, a base section 168 which extends generally parallel to base flange 42 of frame 34 and an upper L-shaped section 170 which acts as a hook to secure frame 34. The length of the horizontal leg of L-shaped section 170 is designed to be slightly larger than the width of the upper surface of frame 34 such that the vertical leg of L-shaped section 170 will abut the outer surface of frame 34 to sandwich frame 34 between L-shaped section 170 and upright section 166. The plurality of retaining devices 64 are equal in number to the plurality of brackets 162 and each retaining device 64 extends between a respective lower brace 60 and a respective bracket 162. Each retaining device 64 is secured in place using retainers 70 which can be nuts, clips or any other attachment mechanism known in the art. Once retaining devices 64 are secured in place, frame 34 and thus roof equipment 38 is prohibited from lifting upward from roof 14.

Uplift kit 136 also permits the horizontal movement of frame 34 as described above for uplift kit 36. In addition, uplift kit 136 can also be utilized with existing or new buildings and it can be visually inspected the same as uplift kit 36 detailed above.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an uplift kit 236 in accordance with another embodiment of the present application is illustrated. Uplift kit 236 comprises the plurality of lower braces 60, a plurality of brackets 262 and the plurality of retaining devices 64. The difference between uplift kit 236 and uplift kit 36 is the use of brackets 262 instead of brackets 62.

The plurality of brackets 262 are generally Z or S-shaped brackets which include an upright section 266 which abuts a respective upright section 44 of frame 34, a base section 268 which extends generally parallel to base flange. 42 of frame 34 and an upper hook section 270 which engages a slot or opening 272 in upright section 44 of frame 34 to secure frame 34. The plurality of retaining devices 64 are equal in number to the plurality of brackets 262 and each retaining device 64 extends between a respective lower brace 60 and a respective bracket 262. Each retaining device 64 is secured in place using retainers 70 which can be nuts, clips or any other attachment mechanism know in the art. Once retaining devices 64 are secured in place, frame 34 and thus roof equipment 38 is prohibited from lifting upward from roof 14.

Uplift kit 236 also permits the horizontal movement of frame 34 as detailed above for uplift kit 36. In addition, uplift kit 236 can also be utilized with existing or new buildings and it can be visually inspected the same as uplift kit 36 detailed above.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an uplift kit 336 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Uplift kit 336 comprises the plurality of lower braces 60 and the plurality of retaining devices 64.

Uplift kit 336 eliminates the need for additional brackets by utilizing base flange 42 of frame 34 directly as its attachment interface. The plurality of retaining devices 64 extend between a respective lower brace 60 and one of the base flanges 42 of frame 34 to secure frame 34. Each retaining device 64 is secured in place using retainers 70 which can be nuts, clips or any other attachment mechanism known in the art. Once retaining devices 64 are secured in place, frame 34 and thus roof equipment 38 is prohibited from lifting upward from roof 14.

Uplift kit 336 also permits the horizontal movement of frame or curb 34 as detailed above for uplift kit 36. In addition, uplift kit 336 can also be utilized with existing or new buildings and it can be visually inspected the same as uplift kit 36 detailed above.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 7A, uplift kit 336 is illustrated in conjunction with a frame 134 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Frame 134 is a beam-like structure comprising an upright section 144 and a wooden nailer 146. Upright section 144 includes a generally U-shaped support section 148 and a pair of flanges 150 extend from opposite sides of support section 148. Flanges 150 extend generally parallel to rest on first and second supporting beams 30 and 32. Wooden nailer 146 is attached to the top of upright section 144 using screws or any other attachment mechanism known in the art. A U-shaped equipment support cap 152 is positioned over wooden nailer 146 as shown in FIG. 7A. Roof equipment 38 is designed to rest on support cap 152.

Uplift kit 336 eliminates the need for additional brackets by utilizing wooden nailer 146 as its attachment interface. The plurality of retaining devices 64 extend between a respective lower brace 60 and a respective wooden nailer 146. Each retaining device is secured in place using retainers 70 which can be nuts, clips or any other attachment mechanism known in the art. Wooden nailer 146 defines a counter-bore 154 within which the end of retaining device 64 and retainers 70 are disposed in order to eliminate interference with support cap 152. Once retaining devices 64 are secured in place, frame 134 and thus roof equipment 38 is prohibited from lifting upward from roof 14. While FIG. 7 illustrates a pair of frames 134, it is within the scope of the present invention to use additional frames 134 arranged in a particular manner to support roof equipment 38.

Uplift kit 336 also permits the horizontal movement of frame 134 as detailed above for uplift kit 36 and frame 34. In addition, uplift kit 336 and frame 134 can be utilized with existing or new buildings and they can be visually inspected the same as uplift kit 36 and frame 34 as detailed above.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 8A, uplift kit 336 is illustrated in conjunction with a frame 234 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Frame 234 comprises a plurality of base supports 242, a plurality of upright sections 244 and a top support frame 246. Base supports 242 are generally planar rectangular members which rest on first and second supporting beams 30 and 32 and are of sufficient size to allow movement of frame 234 with respect to first or second supporting beams 32. Each upright section 244 is an L-shaped component, preferably an angle iron, which extends vertically or upward from base support 242. Top support frame 246 is a generally rectangular frame made from L-shaped components, preferably angle iron, and it is supported by the plurality of upright sections 244. Roof equipment 38 is designed to be supported by and attached to top support frame 246. As shown in FIG. 8A, a pitch pocket 248 extends between adjacent base supports 242 in the direction of the pitch of roof 14.

Uplift kit 336 eliminates the need for additional brackets by utilizing base supports 242 of frame 234 as its attachment interface. The plurality of retaining devices 64 extend between a respective lower brace 60 and one of base supports 242 to secure frame or curb 234. Each retaining device 64 is secured in place using retainers 70 which can be nuts, clips or any other attachment mechanisms known in the art. Once retaining devices 64 are secured in place, frame 234 is prohibited from lifting upward from roof 14.

Uplift kit 336 also permits the horizontal movement of frame 234 as detailed above for uplift kit 36 and frame 34. In addition, uplift kit 336 and frame 234 can also be utilized with existing or new buildings and they can be visually inspected the same as uplift kit 36 and frame 34 detailed above.

The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A roof opening structure for a roof, said roof opening structure comprising: a support beam adapted to be supported by said roof; a frame supported by said support beam; and an uplift kit for securing said frame to said roof, said uplift kit including a brace adapted to be secured to said roof and a retaining device extending between said brace and said frame.
 2. The roof opening structure according to claim 1 wherein said brace is adapted to be secured to a purlin of said roof.
 3. The roof opening structure according to claim 1 wherein said brace is adapted to be secured to a joist of said roof.
 4. The roof opening structure according to claim 1 wherein said brace is adapted to be secured to a truss of said roof.
 5. The roof opening structure according to claim 1 wherein said uplift kit further includes a bracket attached to said frame, said retaining device extending between said brace and said bracket.
 6. The roof opening structure according to claim 5 wherein said bracket is attached to an upright section of said frame.
 7. The roof opening structure according to claim 5 wherein said bracket extends through an opening in said frame.
 8. The roof opening structure according to claim 5 wherein said bracket extends above said frame.
 9. The roof opening structure according to claim 1 wherein said frame includes a flange, said retaining device extending between said brace and said flange.
 10. The roof opening structure according to claim 1 wherein said frame includes an upright section and a wooden nailer, said retaining device extending between said brace and said wooden nailer.
 11. The roof opening structure according to claim 10 wherein said wooden nailer defines a counterbore, said retaining device being disposed within said counterbore.
 12. The roof opening structure according to claim 1 wherein said frame includes a plurality of base supports, said retaining device extending between said brace and one of said plurality of base supports.
 13. A roof opening structure for a roof, said roof opening structure comprising: a plurality of support beams adapted to be supported by said roof; a frame supported by said plurality of support beams; an uplift kit for securing said frame to said roof, said uplift kit including a plurality of braces adapted to be secured to said roof and a plurality of retaining devices extending between said plurality of braces and said frame.
 14. The roof opening structure according to claim 13 wherein said plurality of braces are adapted to be secured to purlins of said roof.
 15. The roof opening structure according to claim 13 wherein said plurality of braces are adapted to be secured to joists of said roof.
 16. The roof opening structure according to claim 13 wherein said plurality of braces are adapted to be secured to trusses of said roof.
 17. The roof opening structure according to claim 13 wherein said uplift kit further includes a plurality of brackets attached to said frame, said plurality of retaining devices extending between said braces and a respective bracket.
 18. The roof opening structure according to claim 17 wherein said plurality of brackets are attached to upright sections of said frame.
 19. The roof opening structure according to claim 17 wherein said plurality of brackets extend through openings in said frame.
 20. The roof opening structure according to claim 17 wherein, said plurality of brackets extend above said frame.
 21. The roof opening structure according to claim 13 wherein said frame includes a flange, said plurality of retaining devices extending between said plurality of braces and said flange.
 22. The roof opening structure according to claim 13 wherein said frame includes an upright section and a wooden nailer, said plurality of retaining devices extending between said plurality of braces and said wooden nailer.
 23. The roof opening structure according to claim 22 wherein said wooden nailer defines a counterbore, said retaining device being disposed within said counterbore.
 24. The roof opening structure according to claim 13 wherein said frame includes a plurality of base supports, said plurality of retaining devices extending between said plurality of braces and said plurality of base supports.
 25. The roof opening structure according to claim 13 wherein each of said plurality of braces is adapted to extend between two support members of said roof.
 26. The roof opening structure according to claim 25 wherein said support member is a purlin.
 27. The roof opening structure according to claim 25 wherein said support member is a joist.
 28. The roof opening structure according to claim 25 wherein said support member is a truss. 